The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing two new hazardous waste rules to strengthen environmental protection while reducing regulatory burden on businesses. One of the proposed rules will protect waterways, including drinking and surface water, by preventing the flushing of hazardous waste pharmaceuticals and simplify the requirements for healthcare workers. The other rule will provide greater flexibility to industry while requiring new safeguards to protect the public from mismanagement of hazardous waste.

“These rules provide businesses with certainty and the flexibility they need to successfully operate in today’s marketplace,” said Mathy Stanislaus, assistant administrator of EPA’s Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response. “The proposals will improve the safety and health of our communities by providing clear, flexible, and protective hazardous waste management standards.”

Each year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) honor organizations that have made outstanding contributions to protecting the environment through energy efficiency. All organizations participating in the ENERGY STAR program are encouraged to apply for a 2016 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Award. 2016 winners will be recognized at the ENERGY STAR Awards Ceremony on April 13, 2016 in Washington, DC.

This year we are again asking applicants to notify us of their intent to apply for an award. Please use your “My ENERGY STAR Account” (MESA) to complete this action by Thursday, October 1, 2015.

The 2016 ENERGY STAR Award notice of intent to apply must be submitted through your MESA account. If you do not have an ENERGY STAR account, please contact ENERGY STAR to have one created for you.

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KPPC is Kentucky’s primary resource to help business, industries and other organizations develop environmentally sustainable, cost-saving solutions for improved efficiency. KPPC is based at the University of Louisville J.B. Speed School of Engineering.